What Is a Scalp Detox—and Why Hair Experts Say You Should Be Doing One (2025)

A scalp detox is more than just a luxury. If you notice you have a bit of dirt on your hands, you’ll head to the sink and scrub up, and if your shirt has a stain, you’ll break out the remover. But what we don't see often ends up inadvertently neglected, and despite shampooing, our scalps absolutely fall into that camp.

The thing is, scalps are a harboring ground for layers of dry shampoo and styling products, dirt, dead skin cells, and oil buildup. Not only does this feel uncomfortable, but it can actually impact hair health and quality. Thorough scalp detoxing goes a step beyond a routine shampoo to give your scalp a fresh start.Here's how hairstylists suggest doing it at home and when you should avoid it altogether.

What Is a Scalp Detox?

Scalp detoxing is the process of deep cleaning your scalp to remove product buildup, impurities, dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. All of the above can clog pores, make your scalp itchy, cause irritation and scalp acne, and potentially reduce hair growth.

Scalp detoxing is achieved through chemical exfoliation (AHAs or enzymes) or manual exfoliation via brushing, scrubbing, and physical exfoliators like salt.

Who Should Do a Scalp Detox?

According to the hairstylists we spoke to, a scalp detox is something that everyone can do. “Anyone who uses any kind of hair product can benefit from a semi-frequent scalp detox,” says celebrity stylist Gerard Caruso.

“It’s especially recommended if you are very active or have a naturally oily scalp," says Caruso. "And if you use a lot of styling products on a regular basis, you will want to detox more frequently.”Scalp detoxes are also super helpful for those who only wash their hair once every three to five days since they tend to accumulate more buildup over time.

Benefits of a Scalp Detox

The benefits of scalp detoxes vary depending on your scalp type and lifestyle. “The biggest benefit to scalp detoxing is getting a clean scalp free of buildup, providing a healthy environment for our hair follicles to produce the best hair,” says hairstylist Leona Dondi. Here's what else you can expect.

Improves Flakes

A well-timed scalp detox can fix dandruff and dry scalp issues (which aren't the same thing). According to Dondi, “detoxing the scalp can help balance oil production and resolve dry flaky scalp issues.” Infrequent physical and chemical exfoliation can help in this case.

On the other hand, experts believe that dandruff is caused by a combination of build-up and a fungus imbalance or increase of Malassezia restrictaandMalassezia globosa. A more frequent and targeted scalp detox can improve the scalp microbiome and resolve the dandruff by addressing the root cause.

Promotes Hair Growth

If you let your scalp get excessively dirty or if you are prone to dandruff, you could be experiencing oxidative stress, which ultimately encourages hair loss. Scalp massages and detoxes promote blood flow, which can reduce oxidative stress and potentially foster hair growth by bringing nutrients to the follicle.

Helps You Relax

One benefit we shouldn’t take for granted is just how good a scalp massage feels. Part of the process is enjoying a nice, long massage to break up buildup. The mechanism behind this benefit is simple: a massage reduces scalp tension, which can then reduce everything from tension headaches to overall stress levels.

Drawbacks of Scalp Detoxes

Even though hair experts assured us that everyone can benefit from semi-frequent scalp detoxes, there are some potential side effects to consider, especially if you have sensitive skin.

For one, you should time your scalp detoxes based on your response. Over-exfoliating can exacerbate scalp issues and disrupt the scalp barrier, causing redness, flaking, dryness, and increased sensitivity.

“If your scalp is [already] dry, add a hot oil treatment before shampooing once a month,” advises celebrity stylist Lauren Kunijo, who says to skip a scalp detox in that case. “If scalp detoxes are done too much, you can cause dryness or irritation.”

Overdoing it can cause scalp irritation, but so can unknown allergies. Some people might have allergic reactions to scalp detox ingredients like certain preservatives or fragrances. Some acids, like salicylic or glycolic, can also be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

If you've never used a product before, test it on a small spot before using it on your entire scalp. Also, if you notice irritation immediately after a scrub, stop using the product immediately. Those who are sensitive to products can try more gentle physical exfoliation methods like a scrub brush and a little salt.

How to Detox Your Scalp At Home

Scalp detoxing is something you can DIY at home or have professionally done by salons who offer this treatment. Caruso recommends that people with oily scalps incorporate a scalp detox into their routine once every two to three weeks. Those who don’t use many products, wash frequently, and don't sweat much can pull back to about once a month.

Your scalp is tingling, isn’t it? Here’s how to indulge in a thorough scalp detoxing at home:

1. Dampen Hair. Start by lightly dampening your hair and scalp with lukewarm water.
2. Apply a Detoxing Product. Reach for a chemical or physical scalp exfoliator and apply liberally. Kunijo loves Davines Anti-Dandruff Gel.
3. Massage. “Gently massage the scalp and hair, working in a circular motion,” Carusa says. You can use your fingers or a silicone scalp massaging tool.
4. Wait. Allow the product to set for 10 to 15 minutes so it can work more of its magic. You can wear a cap to trap steam and moisture, which can help further break down buildup.
5. Massage & Rinse. Spend another five minutes massaging your scalp, then thoroughly rinse your hair.
6. Shampoo & Condition. Finish by shampooing the scalp and top half of your hair, and conditioning from the mid-shaft to ends.